FA Cup final: My plan was not good —  Pep Guardiola blames his tactics for Man United defeat
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during the FA Cup final againt Manchester United || Image credit: Imago

FA Cup final: My plan was not good — Pep Guardiola blames his tactics for Man United defeat

Faruq Ibrahim 23:16 - 25.05.2024

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola analysed his team's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted to setting up his team poorly in the FA Cup final defeat to crosstown rivals Manchester United. 

The Red Devils had a game plan and executed it to perfection, as they beat Guardiola's team 2-1 thanks to goals from Alejandro Garnacho and younger Kobbie Mainoo. Jeremy Doku pulled one back for the Cityzens after the goals from the United youngsters, but it was not enough to inspire a comeback.

What Guardiola said

The Spanish manager started by congratulating the victors, Manchester United, before he admitted to Ten Hag having the superior game plan in the opening exchanges. 

He explained that they improved in the second half; however, he faulted his team's poor finishing for their inability to come from behind.  

"Congratulations to Manchester United for winning the FA Cup. I think my game plan was not good,” he said, per the BBC

Ten Hag Man United manager || Imago
Ten Hag Man United manager || Imago

"The second half was much, much better. We were more intense, in part because we were 2-0 down and had nothing to lose. It was a tight game. We gave away the first goal; they made a good transition for the second so credit to United for the second goal. We tried. 

“We had clear chances in the second half, which wasn't easy because they had man marking and defended the pockets but we had the chances and unfortunately we scored a goal a little bit late. Maybe it could have been different but the team was there like all the time when we lose.

He went on to express his disappointment, but pointed out that his team were not beyond losing finals, despite their incredible dominance.

"Disappointed today; it's normal teams can lose finals but this season has been extraordinary fighting for all the trophies in a good way. We will rest and come back next season."

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